The Rainy Day Trust has joined the 2.6 Challenge, which has replaced the London Marathon that would have taken place this Sunday (April 26). The Charity is asking members of the housewares industry to sign up and help raise much needed funds.
Like so many other charities, The Rainy Day Trust has been hugely impacted by the cancellation of events like the London Marathon due to Covid-19.
Organisers of the biggest mass participation sports events across the country have come together to create a new campaign to help ‘save the UK’s charities.’
The campaign, The 2.6 Challenge, will launch on SundayApril 26 – what should have been the date of the 40th edition of the London Marathon, the world’s biggest one day annual fundraising event, which raised £66.4 million for charities in 2019.
From Sunday 26 April, individuals or families/groups can think up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise by creating a 2.6 Challenge fundraising page or donate to The Rainy Day Trust on Just Giving via twopointsixchallenge.co.uk
The 2.6 Challenge is open to anyone of any age – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing.
“The 2.6 Challenge can be anything that works for you,” explains Nick Rusling, co-chair of the Mass Participation Sports Organisers group (MSO) and ceo of Human Race. “You can run or walk 2.6 miles, 2.6km or for 26 minutes. You could do the same in your home or garden, go up and down the stairs 26 times, juggle for 2.6 minutes, do a 26 minute exercise class or get 26 people on a video call and do a 26 minute workout – anything you like. We want people to get active, have fun and raise money to help Save the UK’s Charities by giving money or raising funds for the charity close to your heart.”
“For many of the UK’s charities, the day of the London Marathon is the biggest fundraising day of the year,” adds Hugh Brasher, co-chair of MSO and event director of London Marathon Events. “One of the founding pillars of the London Marathon was ‘to show how the family of mankind can be united’. We hope that The 2.6 Challenge, which starts on the day our 40th Race should have taken place, will embody that spirit and inspire people, families and communities to fundraise for their chosen charity to help Save the UK’s Charities. Right now, our vulnerable members of society need the help of charities more than ever before.”
Bryan Clover, The Rainy Day Trust’s ceo states: “This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved and do something to help keep The Rainy Day Trust alive. Even the smallest event will help, and ensure that we can keep on helping your colleagues.”
For more information on The 2.6 Challenge, visit twopointsixchallenge.co.uk
